How much time does speeding save? Speedr - Android app that shows time saved speeding

[jakehilborn]

Unless the purpose of the app is to show actual data proving that speeding doesn't really get you there all that much faster, and/or that the risk (of being ticketed, or worse) isn't worth the reward (of an arrival time a few minutes earlier).

The intent of the app is to be informational. By using it you're most likely to see that speeding in non-freeway scenarios saves hardly any time and isn't worth the risk. On an open freeway though speeding will save time so this app can help you gauge whether the saved time was worth the extra gas.

That's because google, at least in theory, uses known average travel times (which can be equated to speed) to calculate average trip times. If you are an above average speeder you can usually shave a couple of minutes off of an hour trip.

Does this app use that same average data or does it just do distance and known speed limits?

Speedr compares your current speed with the posted speed limit of the road. Each moment you're going over the speed limit the 'time saved' number climbs. So if you speed for a few seconds here, then a few seconds there, it'll add up. It doesn't take into account the speed of traffic. If you're stuck in traffic and driving at or below the speed limit the the 'time saved' number won't increase but the 'drive time' number will continue to tick forward. This app measures the difference between

1) The time that it actually takes to get from point a to point b when following the speed limit.

2) The time it actually takes to get from point a to point b when you choose to speed given the opportunity.

[e30onBBSs]

I dunno, I'm not a big speeder, I just tend to drive at the flow of traffic - but I usually use google on longer trips, and it seems no matter what I do, google's estimated arrival time/travel time is dead on within minutes, whether I'm consciously speeding or going the speed limit, lol.

I think there could be legal ramifications to using such an app too.

The app realizes you are beating it's time right and adjusts because it knows how much ground you have covered?

[roguetoaster]

I dunno, I'm not a big speeder, I just tend to drive at the flow of traffic - but I usually use google on longer trips, and it seems no matter what I do, google's estimated arrival time/travel time is dead on within minutes, whether I'm consciously speeding or going the speed limit, lol.

I think there could be legal ramifications to using such an app too.

That's because google, at least in theory, uses known average travel times (which can be equated to speed) to calculate average trip times. If you are an above average speeder you can usually shave a couple of minutes off of an hour trip.

Does this app use that same average data or does it just do distance and known speed limits?

[agent]

I think there could be legal ramifications to using such an app too.

Unless the purpose of the app is to show actual data proving that speeding doesn't really get you there all that much faster, and/or that the risk (of being ticketed, or worse) isn't worth the reward (of an arrival time a few minutes earlier).

[nando]

I dunno, I'm not a big speeder, I just tend to drive at the flow of traffic - but I usually use google on longer trips, and it seems no matter what I do, google's estimated arrival time/travel time is dead on within minutes, whether I'm consciously speeding or going the speed limit, lol.

I think there could be legal ramifications to using such an app too.

[TobyB]

In for the app that tells me how much time I'd save running red lights...

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[Kershaw]

You estimate how long and then compare to see how many hours you spent ON THAT ONE DAMN BOLT?

:rofl::rofl:

Not a bad idea.

[jakehilborn]

I can see how this would be valuable for longer trips. I may have a 6+ hour drive coming up soon where I could check it out.

Before your trip be sure to sign up for a HERE account in the settings of the app to get the most accurate stats. You'll get more accurate speed limits and have better speed limit coverage.

[agent]

I can see how this would be valuable for longer trips. I may have a 6+ hour drive coming up soon where I could check it out.

[rturbo 930]

Interesting app. Not so sure I'd want to encourage people to speed.

As someone who struggles with speed limits, I've found that speeding does little in actually getting me somewhere sooner, mostly due to traffic lights and stop signs,. It also depends on how much traffic there is.

For example, between where I live, and the coastline, there is a long, straight section of road. One lane each way, for much of it, 55mph speed limit which almost no one follows. It's a boring drive, and I get impatient. So I pass people, and speed off. Thing is, after this straight, traffic tends to slow down a bit, and often times I see the people that I thought I left far behind just a few car lengths behind me. Despite my faster pace, we've still ended up at, give or take, the same place at the same time. I still pass slower traffic, but only for my own sanity.

If your trip is all highway, it'll probably make a bigger difference, but otherwise, I think you're fooling yourself into thinking you're making much better time by speeding.

[jakehilborn]

You estimate how long and then compare to see how many hours you spent ON THAT ONE DAMN BOLT?

hahahaha

Personally, I find my Eta's fuel economy sweet spot is around 95-100 km/h, , but I'll speed up in heavier traffic to keep up with flow. I hate having to excessively speed, unless I'm REALLY late. I always build in extra time for travel, so I don't get screwed.

I just downloaded the app, and will give it a spin on my way home.

That's a good point. If you're not saving much time speeding then it's not worth the extra fuel. I'd like to add fuel usage estimates in a future version. Thanks for downloading, let me know if you have any suggestions.

[estoguy]

So the app knows the speed limit on whatever road you're driving? Interesting idea, pretty cool. This is something I've wondered many times; the cost/benefit of speeding. Between saving time, potential for a ticket, better or worse MPG, what it actually balances out to.

Mild speeding certainly does add up time saved. Up here in Ontario, you can usually get away with 10km/h over speed limit without getting dinged in most situations. I keep it to 5 or less in reduced speed zones, especially school zones.

Highway, you can push 15-20 km/h over, depending on the situation and traffic flow.

Personally, I find my Eta's fuel economy sweet spot is around 95-100 km/h, , but I'll speed up in heavier traffic to keep up with flow. I hate having to excessively speed, unless I'm REALLY late. I always build in extra time for travel, so I don't get screwed.

I just downloaded the app, and will give it a spin on my way home.

[slammin.e28]

You estimate how long and then compare to see how many hours you spent ON THAT ONE DAMN BOLT?

Takes flat rate book time and compares to how long you actually take...

Hmm....may be onto something...

[Best_name_available]

Shit, this reminds me I need to get wrenchr developed. It's still in the works. One day...

You estimate how long and then compare to see how many hours you spent ON THAT ONE DAMN BOLT?

[Kershaw]

Shit, this reminds me I need to get wrenchr developed. It's still in the works. One day...